Benchtops are one of those renovation decisions that feel simple… until suddenly you’re knee-deep in slabs, samples, opinions and price variations that make no sense.

As an interior designer, I see this all the time. Clients previously choose a benchtop based on looks alone, only to realise later that it didn’t suit how they live, how they cook, or how much maintenance they actually want to sign up for.

This guide is here to change that.

Whilst the word trend still leaves a slightly bitter taste in my mouth, I do believe that the way design elements ebb and flow over time is what keeps our homes feeling fresh, layered and interesting. What matters most, though, is not blindly following what’s “in”, but understanding why certain ideas are gaining momentum — and whether they genuinely suit you, your family and the way you live.

Because if you renovate purely based on what’s popular right now, or what your kids’ best friend’s family has just done to their home, there’s a very good chance you’ll be calling me back in a year’s time saying, “Please help... I may have got carried away”

So instead of rigid rules or fleeting fads, here’s what I see shaping homes in 2026 and how to approach each shift thoughtfully.

Whether you’re house-hunting for your forever home or searching for an investment property with hidden potential, recognising a home that’s ideal for renovation is a skill worth having. Not every house is a good candidate, and sometimes the prettiest listing isn’t the smartest one to buy.

As an interior designer, I often guide clients through renovation feasibility—what’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s worth walking away from. If you’re shopping for a property with transformation in mind, here are the key qualities that make a home genuinely renovation ready.

If you’ve spent any time browsing home inspiration on social media, you’ve undoubtedly stumbled upon THE "kitchen question." It's the one that pops up again and again in every design and home renovation group: “What is a realistic budget for a new kitchen?”. The comments are always an eyebrow raising rollercoaster—you’ll see everything from surprisingly low DIY figures to eye-watering six-figure custom quotes. The truth is, that incredible new kitchen you see online rarely comes with a transparent price tag, leaving most homeowners in a state of confusion, or worse, with wildly unrealistic expectations.

​This is exactly why I’m writing this post. I’m tired of the renovation cost mystery. Our Westbrook kitchen that you see in the photos below is a perfect example of a custom-designed space that uses quality materials—from the stone island benchtop, shaker door cabinetry to the designer light fixtures. Simply admiring the aesthetic is one thing, but knowing the true investment required to replicate this level of quality is essential for anyone about to dive headfirst into a remodel.

​In the following breakdown, I’m pulling back the curtain on every single line item for this exact kitchen.

If you’ve ever renovated before—or even thought about renovating—you’ll know that the success of your project hinges on the people you bring on board. The right trades don’t just deliver good workmanship; they bring peace of mind, clear communication, and a sense of partnership to what can often feel like juggling flaming torches… blindfolded.

As an interior designer, I’ve worked alongside countless trades across a wide range of residential and commercial projects, and I can tell you this: choosing the right people is everything. So, to help you feel confident and informed as you build your renovation team (or maybe you just want to stop having to smack the air-con unit lightly - but respectfully - to convince it to start), here are my golden tips for finding reliable, trustworthy trades who will show up when they say.

I’ve had this moment in my mind for ages — sitting down to finally press ‘post’ and entice you into this little corner of my world. Starting this blog feels a bit like opening the front door to my home, pretending I just tidied up for you, and inviting you in for a cup of coffee and a long, overdue catch-up — the kind where we talk about beautiful spaces, design disasters, insider tips, renovations, and the little joys that make a house feel like home.

So, before we dive into all the good stuff, I want to share a little about how I even ended up in the world of interior design over a decade ago — because it wasn’t a straight line, and it definitely wasn’t obvious from the start.